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Minister’s Letter – August 2014

Summer is coming! Or, I hope it is – as I sit writing this in mid-June it is rather wet outside. But, summer means sun and holidays. Have you been somewhere nice? Are going to go somewhere? Or are you having a holiday at home? We’re all entitled to a holiday, aren’t we? Well, since 1998 we have been because of some EU legislation that means employers have to make sure that employees take at least 28 days holiday a year – it’s mandatory. You can’t even take money in lieu of holiday. 28 days a year – it’s all yours to do with what you want.

Though the idea of ‘time off’ from work seems like a given gift to us, it hasn’t always been the case and it isn’t the case for those not protected by employment law. However, it is still an important concept – trying to strike a work-life balance. The idea of rest is really important in the Bible. In fact it’s so important it’s one of the ten commandments: ‘Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy’ (Exodus 20:8). It’s a day for rest for all – for children, for slaves, for livestock and for migrant workers. So in effect, it’s a level playing field – no-one works, no-one gives orders, everyone rests.

So please, never feel guilty about taking your holiday – it’s exactly what it says on the tin a ‘holy-day’. Rest is a God (and EU)-given gift. Take it, use it, enjoy it. Because when we’re totally focussed on work, targets and money, there’s often very little room for God.

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